Firefighters called to 392 Thornhill Court about 2:50 p.m. for a possible electrical fire in a second floor unit encountered heavy smoke and flames on the stairway as the entered. More than a dozen people had escaped safely and were outside when firefighters arrived.

The main fire in the apartment was extinguished in about 15 minutes, but it had spread to the attic and walls, according to Schaumburg Fire Capt. Frank Chambers. Crews stayed another few hours to ensure it was completely out, Chambers said.

Four of the eight units were deemed unfit for habitation and residents made arrangements for places to stay, he added. No firefighters or residents were injured.

"We made a very conscious effort to make sure everybody was hydrating and dealing with the heat," he said.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.

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